Japan is a country known for its rich history and art, especially from the feudal era of Japan when Samurai and Ninjas were an actual thing and not just a tourist attraction. The art of the Samurai may be lost to the tourism industry but the spirit of craftsmanship of traditional artists has continued to thrive unchanged for hundreds of years.

What exactly is a traditional craft? A traditional craft is a title given to traditional hand crafting methods which have been passed down through generations that meet standards set out by the national or prefectural government. In Miyazaki Prefecture there are currently 36 items recognized as a traditional craft by the prefectural government and 2 items recognized by the national government.

These traditional crafts are made for many different purposes. They can be used for celebrations or traditional festivals, used as an everyday item or put on display as decorations. Some of these traditional craftsmen are also turning their skills towards more modern items as well. For example, Komatsubara Yaki which has a history of over 400 years stretching back to the feudal era of Japan has started making modern items such as coffee cup sets and milk pitchers in addition to traditional pots and plates. Applying traditional methods to modern items has become a way for many traditional craftsmen to continue the legacy of their crafts in the modern era.

Another place where traditional crafts are often used is in martial arts. 90% of bamboo bows used for Kyudo(Japanese archery) are made in Miyazaki Prefecture. In this article, we will focus on the Miyakonojo Daikyu (Longbow) which is produced in Miyakonojo City.

The Miyakonojo Daikyu is a traditional craft that has passed strict criteria which is registered as a National Traditional Craft. The Miyakonojo Daikyu is highly regarded by participants of Japanese Archery nationwide for its exceptional quality. But what makes Miyakonojo Daikyu so special? We asked this question to Mr. Shiho Ogura who has been crafting Miyakonojo Daikyu for 33 years.

First of all, there are over 200 steps to make a longbow and all of these steps are done by a single craftsman. The most difficult step is the process of carving the bamboo. If the bamboo is carved even slightly too deep, the balance of the bow is broken. It takes 10 years of training and practicing to become a fully qualified craftsman as the slightest mistake in any of the 200 steps makes an inferior bow.

Another point that makes Miyakonojo Daikyu so special is the material they use. The bows are made from bamboo and wax tree, and the quality of these materials is everything. Absolutely no compromises are made to make the best bow possible and only the finest materials are selected. This means, if they find any bamboo or wax tree that doesn’t meet their strict quality standard, it is thrown out without question.

The selected materials are then treated on-site to create the perfect bow material. Preparing the bamboo takes 2 and a half years and the wax tree is dried for 20 years. Patience and long-term commitment are essential to create such a high-quality bow.

Traditional crafts like the Miyakonojo Daikyu that are created by master craftsman with no compromises made, are a true reflection of the perfectionism that created such a rich and vibrant culture in Japan. These crafts are a great way to appreciate Japan’s heritage and make a more than suitable souvenir for any occasion. Don’t miss out on experiencing this fine slice of Japanese culture.

Written by En Miyazaki writer

This article was written in January 2019.
Some photos used in this article were taken at an earlier date.